If you’re into Soulslike games, you’ve probably heard about Black Myth: Wukong. It’s been getting a lot of hype recently, and some people even thought it could be the next Elden Ring.
However, according to the developers, the game only has a few similarities with other Soulslike titles. The game is more linear in some regards and stands out.
New Gameplay Shows Black Myth: Wukong Is Pretty Unique
The latest gameplay footage of Black Myth: Wukong has been going around lately as part of media previews and hands-on demos, and it’s pretty clear this game is doing its own thing. The combat looks superfluid and fast, almost like a mix of both Sekiro and Souls, with a hint of some other fast-paced action games.
Black Myth Wukong definitely ain’t a souls game.
we back! pic.twitter.com/Pt58Jbwhyl
— that 🥷🏾 you love to hate (@ymnis_v1) June 17, 2024
In Souls games, combat is more about timing and patience. You gotta wait for the right moment to strike, dodge, and parry. But this game seems to be more about flashy combos and quick moves, focusing a bit less on the risk-reward system of its inspiration.
The enemies also look different from what you’d expect in a Souls game. They’re not just scary monsters lurking in dark corners. They’re more like mythical creatures with cool designs from the lore of Journey to the West. Wukong can use his abilities to transform into different creatures himself, which adds a whole new layer to the combat.
Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just about fighting, though. The world-building and story are heavily inspired by the classic Chinese novel. This means the game is full of rich lore and interesting characters. You’re not just wandering through dark, often depressing castles and the obligatory swamps like in Souls games. Instead, you’re also exploring vibrant forests, snowy mountains, and ancient temples.
The Game Will Also Focus on Environmental Storytelling Through Its Locations
The environments are super detailed, and the lighting makes everything look really good. The developers, Game Science, are using these detailed environments to tell a story. You’ll find old ruins that hint at what happened in the past, and hidden paths that lead to secret areas.
Another cool thing about the game is the way it handles difficulty. Souls games are known for being hard, but it looks like this game might be a bit more forgiving. That’s not to say it’ll be easy, but the combat seems more accessible. If you’re not great at timing your dodges and parries, you can still have fun with Wukong’s different abilities and transformations that can make it a bit easier at times.
After seeing the new gameplay and the latest media previews and demos, it’s safe to say the game is carving out its own identity. It’s got some elements that might remind you of Souls games, like the tough enemies and deep lore, but it’s really doing its own thing with the combat, story, and world design.
The game releases on PS5 and PC on the 20th of August this year, with an Xbox Series X/S version coming at a later date. Are you looking forward to Black Myth: Wukong? Let us know in the comments.
